Explosive Material Planted in Advance, Detonated During the Passage of Range Rover and Accompanying Cars: Investigation Committee

The Kotayk regional investigative department of the RA Investigative Committee is conducting an investigation to clarify all circumstances surrounding the explosion that occurred on the Yerevan-Sevan highway.

According to preliminary data, on August 2, 2019, around 12:30 PM, an individual who allegedly committed a crime prepared and planted military-grade explosive material under a bridge located at the 15th kilometer of the Yerevan-Sevan highway. At approximately the same time, the explosive was detonated as the Range Rover belonging to M. Manukyan and the accompanying Nissan and Patrol vehicles were passing, however, the crime was not completed due to circumstances beyond the offender's control.

A criminal case has been initiated under the provisions of the RA Criminal Code, specifically article 34, part 2, clause 6, and article 235, part 1. Four individuals in the vehicles have been recognized as victims.

Immediate investigative actions have been undertaken, including an examination of the crime scene, collection of samples from the explosion's aftermath, and witness interrogations. For the purpose of clarifying significant circumstances relevant to the criminal case, forensic explosive, forensic ecological, forensic chemical, and forensic genetic examinations have been scheduled.

The pre-investigation continues, with extensive investigative measures and operational-Search activities being conducted to clarify all circumstances surrounding the incident.